Custom Made Western Boots

[Randyc]

I built this pair of western boots. The tops are made of cowhide. The vamps and counter covers are made from American bison. The 2" heels are stacked and I added a spur shelf. The boots are lined with calf skin. The soles are pegged with lemmonwood pegs. The only nails used are the tacks attaching the rubber heels caps to the stacked heels.

Randy

[Spencer G]

Very nice.

[Beaverslayer]

Yes, very nice indeed. I was wondering if any of the members did cowboy boots.

Ken

[Randyc]

Ken,

Thanks for the kind words. I made that pair while studying under master bootmaker Carl Chappell. Like other leather craftsmen, the ranks of bootmakers seem to be getting smaller as years go by.

Randy

[SmokinP]

Fine looking work Randy. Why don't all western boots have a spur shelf???

[CharlieR]

Randy--nice looking pair of boots.Glad to see that there are those that continue to pursue this craft. Down here in Texas, the custom bootmakers are becomng scarce, so it's good to see craftsmen keeping the craft alive.

[Don101]

Nice boots have you ever thought about or have you ever made 1870- 1890 style coffeevill or cathederal stiched authentique one piece vamp 17-18 inch high full wood peged , i would be interested if you could do this type of work, Don

[chocolateducttape]

Those are great! I'll be taking one of Mr. Chappell's classes soon so it's nice to get a preview of what I'll be doing. Even though I doubt I'll be super at it on my first go.

Edited January 14, 2008 by chocolateducttape

[Randyc]

Guys thanks for the kind words about my boots.

SmokinP

I really don't know the reason mass factory boots usually don't come standard with a spur shelf and for that matter the cheaper made boots don't have stacked heels either. Adding spur shelfs would probably take some degree of retooling.

CharlieR

Custom anything is becoming scarce in this country. In the last couple of years, I've spent several weeks in Texas, twice at the Boot and saddle Makers Roundup in Wichita Falls and 2 weeks in St. Jo learning the basics of the craft under Carl Chappell. Your probably fortunate. I believe Texas probably has more custom boot makers then any other state. I've met quite a few of the Texas bootmakers. They are really nice people and open to assisting us fledgling bootmakers.

Don101

I need to half way master the standard western boot before I venture off into unchartered waters. At this rate I may be able to venture off in about 30 years. :D

chocolateducttape

Get ready for 6 days of boot buildin fun. Carl is an excellant teacher. You will go home with a custom pair of boots and your own shaped lasts. Carl will not leave you hanging. Like any other craft, the key if practice. Try to start another pair as soon as you get home. Don't worry if you don't have the real cool machinary that you will get to see and use in Carl's shop. Boots can be built using a few handtools, so take the class and build some boots!!

[Opagon]

Those are awesome!!

[Grunt]

Those are real nice!! I am about as gren as the tops of those boots with envy :D

I would like to take a bootmaking class one day!

Thanks for posting those!

Nick

[Luke Hatley]

and how does one get in touch with Mr. Chappnell

[chocolateducttape]

Randy- thanks for the assurance of a good class! I am very excited about it and I hope to learn a lot.

Luke- Mr. Chappell's website is trailtowncustomleather.com.

[karl]

Randy, I have always wanted to try my hand at hand tooled boots, Photo carved. I've made a lot of things from key fobs to purses, and gun belts and a couple of saddles, but ain't gots the foggiest notion on how to do boots. Great job. I'd love to learn how to do that. Karl